AN OUTBREAK of diarrhoea and vomiting at Darent Valley Hospital at Dartford has closed five wards.

The hospital has confirmed that six of its patients in one ward have been identified as having the Noro virus.

Four other wards have reported instances of diarrhoea and vomiting among patients. These have yet to be confirmed as the same virus.

The five wards have now been closed to admissions and strict control measures are now in place at the hospital.

Patients in the five affected wards who are not displaying symptoms of the virus and are well enough to go home are being discharged.

Visitors who have relatives in the five affected wards are still able to visit but are being asked to follow the hospital's guidelines.

Hospital spokesman Glyn Oakley said: "Disinfectant is being provided in wards for visitors to wash their hands and we ask visitors limit any physical contact with relatives."

Staff working on the affected wards will only staff those wards until the infection has been cleared up.

The Noro virus, a mild infection, is likely to have been brought in by a patient and is spread by droplets through coughing and sneezing for example. The virus is commonly found in the community and a full recovery for anyone infected takes between 24 and 48 hours.

Sue Jennings, chief executive of Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust, said: "We are doing everything possible to limit the spread of this virus. We are working closely with the Kent Health Protection Unit to ensure that all necessary action has been taken. "

Dr Mathi Chandrakumar, Director of Health Protection for Kent, said: "I have visited the hospital and am very pleased that all possible control measures have been put into place.

"This is a mild illness and my advice to the public is to consult your local GP if you are suffering from diarrhoea and vomiting. Drink plenty of fluids, rest and try to minimise the chances of spreading the infection."